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New Year's resolutions, holiday hangovers and self-help ideas? More confidence? How about zero, confidence...in the flesh. Learn why works of the flesh are considered as rubbish, and what will make you truly change.

Having confidenceThe Christmas or “Holiday Hangover’ is usually followed by some new year’s resolutions and a series of self help ideas….Have more confidence….try harder….fix last years mistakesPhil 3:1-14Notice the context – confidence in the fleshNot just about forgetting the mistakes of the past….but leaving behind the so-called ‘successes’ that you were able to accomplish, quite frankly ‘without God’ or in some cases despite Him.When I come to the Lord after I’ve blown it, I’ve only one argument to make.
It’s not the argument of the difficulty of my environment.
It’s not the argument of the difficult people that I’m near.
It’s not the argument of good intentions that were thwarted in some way.I come to the Lord with only one appeal; his mercy.
I’ve no other defense.
I’ve no other standing.
I’ve no other hope.

I can’t escape the reality of my biggest problem; me! So I appeal to the one thing in my life that’s sure and will never fail. I appeal to the one thing that guaranteed not only my acceptance with God, but the hope of new beginnings and fresh starts. I appeal on the basis of the greatest gift I ever have or ever will be given.I leave the courtroom of my own defense, I come out of hiding and I admit who I am. But I’m not afraid, because I’ve been personally and eternally blessed. Because of what Jesus has done, God looks on me with mercy. It’s my only appeal, it’s the source of my hope, it’s my life. Mercy, mercy me!For many…..this was 2017’s verse - Ecc 2:11 ‘chasing after the wind’